Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland: Highlights, man of the match, stats as DFB-Team bounce back from shock Group A opener

Germany bounced back from a shock defeat to Slovakia by recording a 3-1 victory over Northern Ireland on Sunday evening, with Julian Nagelsmann's side off the mark in Group A of World Cup 2026 Qualifying.

Serge Gnabry made the breakthrough in the seventh minute before Isaac Price answered back for Northern Ireland, and the home side were again finding it difficult to get going.

However, Nadiem Amiri and Florian Wirtz both scored in the second period to secure a vital three points for Germany in their bid to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.

The result has left DFB-Team in third spot in Group A, level on three points with second-placed Northern Ireland and three points behind early section leaders Slovakia.

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Well, it was not particularly pretty from Germany, but it was a much-needed three points for the national side following their shock two-goal defeat to Slovakia in their section opener.

At 1-1, Germany were wobbling, and the tension could he felt inside the stadium, but Wirtz silenced some of his doubts with a brilliant free kick after Amiri had sent Nagelsmann's side back ahead.

Germany dominated the possession (80%) and also managed 11 shots, with six of those on target, but Northern Ireland were the team pushing when the score was 1-1, and there were again some worrying signs for DFB-Team.

A win was all that mattered on Sunday night, though, as more dropped points would have ultimately led to Slovakia being six points or five points ahead of them at the top of the group.

This is not the Germany team of old, and it is difficult to imagine them making a serious challenge for the World Cup trophy next summer, while it is far from certain that they will be present in the finals.

GERMANY VS. NORTHERN IRELAND HIGHLIGHTS

Serge Gnabry goal vs. Northern Ireland (7th min, Germany 1-0 Northern Ireland)

It's a nightmare start for Northern Ireland! ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/YrIp5d90ek
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 7, 2025

Germany make the breakthrough in the seventh minute of the contest, as Gnabry breaks through on the Northern Ireland goal before expertly lifting the ball into the back of the net.

Isaac Price goal vs. Germany (34th min, Germany 1-1 Northern Ireland)

The Price is right ?✅

With that goal, Isaac Price is the youngest player to score 10 goals for Northern Ireland ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/kIRJClV5zG
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 7, 2025

Incredible scenes here, as Northern Ireland level the scores, with Price netting his 10th international goal by firing into the back of the net at the far post - it is a thumping finish off a corner from Justin Devenny.

Nadiem Amiri goal vs. Northern Ireland (69th min, Germany 2-1 Northern Ireland)

Germany are back in front! #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/XajSbUNzu0
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 7, 2025

Germany are back ahead in this clash, and it is Amiri on the scoresheet, with the attacker firing into the back of the net from close range after a cross had evaded the Northern Ireland goalkeeper.

Florian Wirtz goal vs. Northern Ireland (72nd min, Germany 3-1 Northern Ireland)

Germany extend their lead thanks to Florian Wirtz! ⚽

The Liverpool man stands over the free-kick and he gets the ball over the wall and it flies into the top corner?#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/GTlpOvx3K9
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 7, 2025

It is a wonderful free kick from Wirtz, as the Liverpool attacker picks out the back of the net from distance; Northern Ireland have a lot of work to do if they are to respond now.

MAN OF THE MATCH - DAVID RAUM

Wirtz deserves a mention considering the criticism that he has faced early this season, with the Liverpool attacker putting in a strong performance, but Raum was the man of the match on Sunday night.

The 27-year-old provided the assist for Amiri to make it 2-1, while he made two tackles, won two aerial duels and completed 41 of his 51 passes during a brilliant display as the left-sided wing-back.

GERMANY VS. NORTHERN IRELAND MATCH STATS

Possession: Germany 80%-20% Northern Ireland

Shots: Germany 11-4 Northern Ireland

Shots on target: Germany 6-1 Northern Ireland

Corners: Germany 3-5 Northern Ireland

Fouls: Germany 9-13 Northern Ireland

BEST STAT

1️⃣0️⃣⚽

Isaac Price is the youngest player to score 10 goals for @NorthernIreland?#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/HymUtHJSPD
— BBC SPORT NI (@BBCSPORTNI) September 7, 2025

WHAT NEXT?

Germany will be bidding to make it successive wins in their World Cup qualification section when they host Luxembourg on October 10, before taking on Northern Ireland in the reverse fixture on October 13.

Northern Ireland, meanwhile, will be aiming to recover from their first defeat in Group A when they host Slovakia on October 10, three days before the clash with Germany in Belfast.